Alpine Lakes

Summary: The largest and best known of the alpine lakes. See the Black Lake page for a full description.

Summary: The name for Guongba Lake comes from the Naxi (纳西) language. There are two approaches. South of Black Lake, a steep rocky slope leads to the hanging valley in which the lake sits. Other routes begin along the west shore of Long Lake (长海). For example, a rough path starts near a stone wall enclosure at the north end of Long Lake, ascends through stunted rhododendron forest and crosses over a ridge to the lake.

Summary: The two Lisu Lakes are visible from a knoll a short distance southwest of Col 4460. They are named in the local language by the Lisu (傈僳) ethnic minority, who inhabit the lower reaches of the Jizhi Valley (鸡枝山谷). The lakes can be accessed from that valley, or from a high pass southwest of Guongba Lake.

Summary: This slender lake lies in a basin beneath a prominent rock buttress, part of the alpine scenery south of Black Lake. Due to the elevation and the protected location, ice lingers long on these waters. The Base Camp Route (大本营路线) skirts the eastern shore of Long Lake.

Summary: Round Lake is one of the smallest in the Alpine Lakes Region. The lake may dry up in certain seasons. The Base Camp Route passes near Round Lake.

Summary: True to their names, these lakes lie close together. The names are those used by local inhabitants. Lacking forest and trees, the setting is somewhat desolate. In the summer a carpet of green grass emerges, providing a surprising and welcome change of scenery. Water levels drop in spring, even to the point of drying up completely. You can reach the lakes by an easy cross-country hike from Pass 4230. The Lanhua Meadow Route (兰花坪路线) traverses the pass.

Summary: When the sun shines on the shallow waters of Yellow Lake, the sandy bottom lends it a subtle shade of gold. The view of Haba Snow Mountain from the shore is splendid. A ramshackle hut sits on the southern bank, formerly a place of respite suitable for overnight lodging. The roof, verging on collapse, is now unsafe. The lake remains hidden behind trees at the hut, but a path on the left (west) leads down to the water. In certain seasons, the shallow waters shrink considerably, becoming an unattractive source for drinking water. Yellow Lake may be reached on a 50-meter spur trail from the Jianshan Route (尖山路线).